Historical Trends and Implications of the Sex Ratio at Birth in Georgia, 1926- 2024.

BACKGROUND: The sex ratio at birth (SRB) is a key demographic indicator, typically stable within a natural range of 102-106 male births per 100 female births. Deviations from this range may reflect biological or non-natural influences, including sex-selective practices. Despite elevated SRB levels in the South Caucasus, Georgia lacks a country-specific historical baseline. OBJECTIVE: This study reconstructs long-term SRB trends in Georgia from 1926 to 2024, estimates the country-specific natural SRB baseline, and examines Georgia's trajectory within the broader South Caucasus context. METHODS: We analyzed national demographic data from Georgia, combining historical census data, civil registration records, and United Nations estimates. For 1926-1950, SRB was reconstructed using the sex ratio among children aged 0-4 years and a correction factor derived from 1970-1980 data. Trends were compared with Armenia and Azerbaijan for 1950-2020. RESULTS: SRB in Georgia remained within the natural range until the late 1980s, generally around 105-106 males per 100 females, with a minimum of 101.2 in 1979. It increased sharply in the 1990s, reaching approximately 111 in the early 2000s, followed by a gradual decline but remained above natural levels through 2020. Armenia and Azerbaijan showed higher peaks, reaching approximately 117. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first long-term analysis of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) in Georgia and establishes a country-specific historical baseline, offering a robust benchmark for identifying deviations from the expected natural range. Contribution: This study consolidates a century-long record of the sex ratio at birth (SRB) for Georgia and establishes a demographic baseline for assessing gender imbalances and regional disparities.